With an entire season in front of them, the Pittsburgh Steelers aren't focused on the 2026 NFL Draft. The event will be held in their city, and many believe the franchise aims to develop a master plan to transition from Aaron Rodgers to a young quarterback as the franchise's cornerstone.
That is a terrific plan on paper, but it will be a difficult maneuver to execute this upcoming spring.
Arch Manning remains the top quarterback prospect in college football. Many assume he will enter the 2026 NFL Draft, but that shouldn't be an obvious decision. The Manning family has continued to operate in an ‘old school’ manner, which means it may be some time before the franchise-altering quarterback makes his NFL debut. It might've sunk Pittsburgh's draft hopes.
In an interview with Texas Monthly Magazine, Arch's grandfather, NFL legend Archie Manning, was not afraid to make a bold prediction about his grandson's future.
“Arch isn’t going to do that. He’ll be at Texas (in 2026).”
With new NIL deals in college football and little stability at the position in the NFL, it would make sense for Manning to lengthen his collegiate career. He is entering his first season as the starter of the Texas Longhorns. The hype around him as a prospect is off the charts, especially with his NFL ties. Other than Archie being his grandfather, his uncles are Eli and Peyton Manning.
Pittsburgh Steelers already missed out on 2026 top QB draft prospect Arch Manning
In a recent article by The Athletic’s Sam Khan Jr., sources close to Manning continue to suggest that he may remain in school. First, his grandfather spoke about him sticking in school, and now his father, Cooper Manning, has shared similar advice. With NFL teams moving on from quarterbacks more quickly than ever, it’s no surprise that his father is offering that advice.
“It’s amazing the amount of movement in the quarterback position, from top draft picks already in years one, two or three—Oh, he can’t play. But then he goes somewhere else, and he plays well. You’re on a clock probably a lot more than you should be in the world of the NFL.”
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Arch Manning would enter the draft in 2026 with only one season of starting experience. Many people and scouts have fallen in love with the name on the back of his jersey before anything else. He has plenty to prove in the college ranks before he deserves top pick consideration. With a strong support base in Texas, it seems like the Manning clan doesn't want him to leave just yet.
“I think they’ve done a great job of protecting him, developing him, and letting him be a regular kid as best you can, and now, when the time is right, you’re ready to go,” Cooper said. “Playing is good, but playing when you’re really ready and prepared usually works out better, in every league.”
The Steelers might've had a sense that Manning would stick in school, and odds are they wouldn't have had a realistic shot of drafting him if he entered the draft next year.
That being said, even if Manning is no longer available, it doesn’t rule out Pittsburgh targeting the position next spring. They want a young franchise quarterback, and there should be plenty in the draft.
This young quarterback is topping the college football charts with the highest earnings from NIL deals. He isn't missing the NFL money he would've received if he decided to declare for the NFL Draft in 2026. He has all the tools to succeed at the position, but his name won't be the only thing that makes him successful. He must prove it this season, and if he returns the following year.